Planning to trick-or-treat in Charlotte? Here are some safety tips for a fun Halloween
Trick-or-treaters in Charlotte are expected to hit the streets sporting their favorite costumes on Halloween in search of goodies.
But kids need to be safe from potential hazards, too.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shared the following safety tips for trick-or-treaters:
Wear something reflective
Have a flashlight
Stay on sidewalks and cross streets carefully
Only go to houses with lights on
Have kids carry identifying information
Open and inspect candy
Secure your pets
Have a chaperone and travel in groups
Call 911 if you see something suspicious
Halloween costume safety
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration offers the following tips for those who choose to dress up this Halloween:
Wear costumes made of flame-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon
Wear makeup and hats instead of masks that can obscure your vision
Check the FDA’s list of color additives to see if the colors in Halloween makeup are approved
Don’t wear colored contact lenses unless you have seen an eye care professional for proper fitting
How to check for sex offenders in your neighborhood
You can enter your address on the N.C. Sex Offender Registry website to see if there are registered offenders in your neighborhood.
There are 1,185 registered sex offenders in Mecklenburg County, according to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.
“Registered sex offenders should keep their lights off on Halloween and not decorate their homes so that no children will knock on their door,” Janet Parker, a spokesperson for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, told WCNC. “Parents should check the sex offender registry before planning their trick or treat route.”
This story was originally published October 31, 2022 at 1:27 PM.
